On June 11, 2024, and throughout the rest of the week, we were excited to celebrate the first ever International Day of Play.

At Wilderness we appreciate that we are all incredibly focused on the girls’ success now and in the future, so when we consider the next step into Reception, it is natural that our first thoughts often to turn to mathematics and literacy. Both of which are important and must be developed, but it is vital to remember the value that friendship and play skills also hold in this preparation.

In Reception and beyond, the success of ‘play times’ (at recess and lunch) will contribute significantly to your daughters’ happiness, feelings about school, and consequently to their ability to concentrate and learn. Observing this, I have realised just how important it is for the girls to learn how to play and establish friendships in the early years, at this time when they have such a wonderful freedom to do so and in an environment where it is so highly valued.

Preparation for Reception is of course not the only benefit of play and play-based learning in early childhood. Play is learning for children, providing both the context and process for learning. Not only is play-based learning and intentionality a key practice in our approved learning framework, but it also supports the realisation of Article 31 in the United Nation’s Convention on the Rights of the Child that in part states that children have a right to play.

Finally, though, a phrase attributed to Loris Malaguzzi in Reggio Emilia, which is a source of great guidance and influence in our ELC, is ‘nothing without joy’. Play is not always easy, but when children are deeply immersed in play, they are able to simply enjoy being and from that, immense joy emerges for all of us.

As our term draws to a close, we would like to take this opportunity to wish you a wonderful holiday. School will resume on or after (depending on your booked days of attendance) Wednesday 24 July.

Rebecca Williamson
Director of Early Years